Juventus icon Alessandro Del Piero has condemned Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini for publicly attacking Ademola Lookman following the club’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Club Brugge.
Del Piero, known for his leadership on and off the pitch, emphasized the importance of handling team matters privately rather than singling out players for blame.
“Regardless of the internal dynamics, I wouldn’t have taken Gasperini’s words in the post-match well,” Del Piero remarked, highlighting the damaging effects of public criticism on player confidence and team spirit.
The Controversy: Lookman Under Fire
During Atalanta’s 3-1 loss to Club Brugge, Lookman was subbed on at halftime and made an instant impact, scoring just 42 seconds into the second half. His goal briefly revived Atalanta’s hopes, but the night took a turn when he missed a crucial penalty. Rather than offering support, Gasperini delivered a brutal post-match assessment, stating, “Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”
The Nigerian forward responded, calling Gasperini’s remarks “deeply disrespectful”, sparking debate over the coach’s leadership style.
Del Piero’s stance reflects a broader discussion in football—should managers call out players publicly, or should criticism stay behind closed doors? Many believe Gasperini’s comments could damage morale rather than motivate his squad.
With Atalanta crashing out of the Champions League, the controversy surrounding Lookman’s penalty miss may linger longer than the defeat itself, leaving questions about Gasperini’s handling of his players in tough moments.
